Fiber optic equipment assemblies employing non-U-width-sized housings and related methods

ABSTRACT

Fiber optic equipment assemblies employing non-U-width-sized housings supporting U-sized fiber optic modules, and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the assembly may include the non-U-width-sized housing, at least one fiber optic equipment support member, and at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The non-U-width-sized housing may include an enclosure forming an internal cavity. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be disposed within the internal cavity and configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member which may be disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/503,182 filed on Jun. 30, 2011, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The technology of the disclosure relates to fiber optic housings that support fiber optic modules to provide fiber optic equipment assemblies to support fiber optic connections.

2. Technical Background

The benefits of utilizing optical fiber include extremely wide bandwidth and low noise operation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. As a result, fiber optic communications networks include a number of interconnection points at which multiple optical fibers are interconnected. Fiber optic communications networks also include a number of connection terminals, examples of which include, but are not limited to, network access point (NAP) enclosures, aerial closures, below grade closures, pedestals, optical network terminals (ONTs), and network interface devices (NIDs). In certain instances, the connection terminals include connector ports or nodes, typically opening through an external wall of the connection terminal. The connection terminals are used to establish optical connections between optical fibers terminated from the distribution cable and respective optical fibers of one or more “preconnectorized” drop cables, extended distribution cables, tether cables or branch cables, collectively referred to herein as “drop cables.” The connection terminals are used to readily extend fiber optic communications services to a subscriber. In this regard, fiber optic networks are being developed that deliver “fiber-to-the-curb” (FTTC), “fiber-to-the-business” (FTTB), “fiber-to-the-home” (FTTH) and “fiber-to-the-premises” (FTTP), referred to generically as “FTTx.”

In conventional FTTx deployments depicted in FIG. 1, a fiber optic network 10 is provided. The fiber optic network 10 may deliver service to subscribers 12 through optical fiber distribution cables 14 and subscriber cables 16. For example, the fiber optic network 10 may begin at a trunk cable 18 originating from a central office 20 leading to a splitter/splice cabinet 22 in the field where a distribution cable 14 is connected. The distribution cable 14 may then be routed aerially or below ground through the residential neighborhood served by the fiber optic network 10. The subscriber cables 16 servicing individual subscribers 12 may be connected with the distribution cable 14 through terminations at mid-span access points 24, branch cables 26, and multi-port splitter boxes 28. The central office 20 may be connected to a geographically-dispersed telecommunications network 30.

At the central office 20, signals may be combined on a single optical fiber 32 of the trunk cable 18 using a multiple access protocol, such as time division multiple access (TDMA). All the subscribers 12 may receive all signals transmitted on the single optical fiber 32 in their subscriber cable 16, but due to encryption may only be able to decipher the signals they have permission to utilize.

The central office 20 may include fiber optic equipment in at least one conventional rack 34 to support the fiber optic network 10; for example, the enhanced management frame (EMF) rack as shown in FIG. 2. The conventional rack 34 may have twenty-four conventional housings 36 wherein half are on the left 35 and half on the right 37.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, each conventional housing 36 in this example contains six module holders 38 that may slide partially in and out of the conventional housing 36 on slider rails 40. A height dimension and a width dimension of the conventional housing 36 are depicted as H₁ and W₁ respectively. Conventional measurements dimensions for the width dimension W₁ is 8.6-inches and 5.5-inches for the height H₁ in this example. The conventional housing 36 is a non-U-width-sized housing because W₁ is not 19-inches or 23-inches. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the module holder 38 may comprise a cover 44 and contain a fiber optic module 42 having twelve (12) fiber connections 46. The cover 44 may pivot to enclose the fiber optic module 42, which may be configured with splitters/couplers or wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) devices.

Generally, more signals may be delivered to subscribers if more fiber connections 46 were available on the conventional rack 34. As the subscribers 12 require more signal bandwidth, there is an unmet need for low-cost solutions at the central office 20 to provide more fiber connections 46 within the conventional rack 34.

SUMMARY OF THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include fiber optic equipment assemblies that include non-U-width-sized housing supporting U-sized fiber optic modules in an equipment frame, and related methods. A non-U-width-sized housing may be configured to accommodate U-sized fiber optic modules and thereby increase a number of fiber optic connections available for increasing bandwidth offered to subscribers in a fiber optic network.

In one embodiment, a fiber optic equipment assembly is disclosed. This fiber optic equipment assembly may include a non-U-width-sized housing, at least one fiber optic equipment support member, and at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The non-U-width-sized housing may include an enclosure forming an internal cavity disposed within. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be disposed within the internal cavity and configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity. In this manner, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a non-U-width-sized housing. In this regard as a non-limiting example, the non-U-width-sized housing of the fiber optic equipment assembly may enable more bandwidth to be delivered to subscribers by allowing more fiber optic modules to fit into a non-U space of the equipment frame.

In another embodiment, a fiber optic equipment assembly is disclosed. This fiber optic equipment assembly may include a non-U-width-sized housing, at least one fiber optic equipment support member, and at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The non-U-width-sized housing may include an enclosure forming an internal cavity disposed within. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be disposed within the internal cavity and configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member, which is disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a width dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed adjacent to each other along a horizontal direction within a U-unit height of unity in the non-U-width-sized housing. In this manner, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a non-U-width-sized housing. In this regard as a non-limiting example, the non-U-width-sized housing of the fiber optic equipment assembly may enable even more bandwidth to be delivered to subscribers by allowing more fiber optic modules to fit into a non-U space of the equipment frame.

In another embodiment, a method of installing fiber optic equipment is disclosed. This method may comprise providing a non-U-width-sized housing including an enclosure forming an internal cavity. The method may also include disposing at least one fiber optic equipment support member within the internal cavity. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The method may also include disposing the at least one U-sized fiber optic module within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member, which is disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity. In this manner, the method of installing the fiber optic equipment may, for example, be less expensive because equipment racks compatible with non-U-width-sized housing sizes may use the U-sized fiber optic modules without the expense of new equipment racks.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of subscribers of a fiber optic network connected to a central office with drop cables in the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fiber optic equipment frame loaded with twenty-four front-loading housings and module holders in the prior art;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a front-loading housing loaded with module holders in the prior art of the fiber optic equipment frame of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a perspective, close-up view of the module holder with a module installed in the prior art as shown in the fiber optic equipment frame of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a perspective, front view of an exemplary fiber optic equipment assembly employing a non-U-width-sized housing supporting U-sized fiber optic modules with a front door closed;

FIG. 4B is a perspective, front view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A with the front door opened;

FIG. 4C is a perspective, front view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A with the front door opened and at least one fiber optic module partially removed;

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective, front view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5B depicts a perspective, side view of a first attachment member of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5C depicts a perspective view of an enclosure of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5D depicts a perspective, exploded front view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective, rear view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective, exploded rear view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6C depicts a bottom view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 7A is a perspective, front-right view of at least one U-sized fiber optic module that can be supported by the non-U-width-sized housing of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 7B is a perspective, front-left view of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a perspective, exploded front view of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective, exploded front view of a fiber optic equipment support member of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 8B is a perspective, front view of the U-sized fiber optic module of FIG. 7A before being received by a fiber optic module guide of the fiber optic equipment support member of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 9 is a perspective, front view of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module received by the fiber optic module guide of the fiber optic equipment support member of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fiber optic equipment assembly of another embodiment wherein the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed adjacent to each other along a horizontal direction; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of FIG. 12 providing more detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include fiber optic equipment assemblies that include non-U-width-sized housings supporting U-sized fiber optic modules in a fiber optic equipment assembly, and related methods. In one embodiment, the fiber optic equipment assembly may include the non-U-width-sized housing, at least one fiber optic equipment support member, and at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The non-U-width-sized housing may include an enclosure forming an internal cavity. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be disposed within the internal cavity and configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity.

In this regard, FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate schematic diagrams of one embodiment of a fiber optic equipment assembly 48 that includes a non-U-width-sized housing supporting U-sized fiber optic modules. As shown in FIG. 4A, the fiber optic equipment assembly 48 may be mounted in an equipment frame 50 and may be connected to a plurality of fiber optic cables 52. FIG. 4B shows the fiber optic cables 52 connected to the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54. FIG. 4C shows that the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may be pulled partially out. The equipment frame 50 may be the same as the conventional rack 34, and this would provide a compatibility benefit because a fiber optic equipment assembly 48 could be mounted in existing equipment at the central office 20.

In FIG. 5A the main components of the fiber optic equipment assembly 48 in FIGS. 4A to 4C are depicted. In this embodiment, the fiber optic equipment assembly 48 supports the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 comprising at least one fiber optic connection 56. The terminology “U-sized” means that the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 has at least one dimension that is based on the rack unit (“U”), which is a unit of measurement used to describe the height of equipment intended for mounting in a 19-inch or 23-inch wide rack. One rack unit, also known hereinafter as a U-unit height of unity, is 1.75-inches high. Thus, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may be “U-sized” if the at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may be disposed in a U-unit height of unity of 1.75-inches. The advantage of having components that are U-sized is that they may be compatible with standard equipment racks based on the rack unit. The embodiments in this enclosure enable at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 to fit into the equipment frame 50 that is non-U-sized.

The plurality of fiber optic cables 52 may be connected to the at least one fiber optic connection 56 (not explicitly shown in FIG. 5A). The plurality of fiber optic cables 52 may support the fiber optic network 10 serving the subscribers 12.

With continuing reference to FIG. 5A, the fiber optic equipment assembly 48 may include a non-U-width-sized housing 58 comprising an enclosure 60. The width (W₁) of the non-U-width-sized housing 58 is “non-U-width-sized” because it is neither 19-inches nor 23-inches wide. The width W₁ and the height H₁ of the non-U-width-sized housing 58 may be the same dimensions as that for the conventional housing 36. The non-U-width-sized housing 58 may be installed on the equipment frame 50 that may accommodate twenty-four non-U-width-sized housings 58.

The enclosure 60 comprises a first wall 62 and a second wall 64, and may form an internal cavity 66. At least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may be disposed within the internal cavity 66. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may be configured to support the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68, which may also be disposed within the internal cavity 66. Disposing the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 in the internal cavity 66 provides protection against damage to the fiber optic connections 56.

A first attachment member 70 may be attached to the first wall 62. An interface surface 72 of the first attachment member 70 may be used to hang the non-U-width-sized housing 58 from the equipment frame 50. The advantage to hanging is that the non-U-width-sized housing 58 can be at least partially slid out in a horizontal direction A₂ from the equipment frame 50 after bolts (not shown) are removed. A containment surface 73 (FIG. 5B) may also come into contact with the equipment frame 50 and prevent the interface surface 72 from disengaging from the equipment frame 50.

With continuing reference to FIG. 5A, a second attachment member 74 may be attached to the second wall 64. A first vertical support member 76 and a second vertical support member 78 may be attached to the second attachment member 74. A first lateral restraint surface 80 of the second attachment member 74 between the first and second vertical support members 76, 78 helps restricts lateral movement in a second horizontal direction A₃ of the non-U-width-sized housing 58 when it abuts the equipment frame 50. A first contact surface 82 and second contact surface 84, respectively, of the first and second vertical support members 76, 78 help restrict movement in a vertical direction A₁ when they abut the equipment frame 50 (not shown in FIG. 5A).

The non-U-width-sized housing 58 may have a height (H₁) which is a non-integer multiple of the U-unit height of unity. For example, non-integer multiples of the U-unit height of unity could NOT be 1.75-inches, 3.5-inches, 5.25-inches, 7-inches, etc. The height H₁ of the non-U-width-sized housing 58 may be measured in the vertical direction A₁. In a non-limiting embodiment H₁ could be 5.7-inches which would be an integer of the U-unit height of unity. This is important because a gap of 1.3-inches, 7-inches less 5.7-inches, would be an inefficient use of space between housings.

A front door 86 may be attached to the enclosure 60 by cylindrical pin 88 disposed between the front door 86 and a door hinge member 90 attached to the enclosure 60. The front door 86 may pivot upon the cylindrical pin 88. The front door 86 may be held in a closed position by a latch 92 which may interface with an orifice 94 of a door latch enclosure member 96. The door latch enclosure member 96 may be attached to the enclosure 60. The front door 86 may help protect the at least one fiber optic connection 56 and the bend radius of the plurality of fiber optic cables 52 from causing damage.

There are various components which also enable cabling to enter the non-U-width-sized housing 58 without damage. A cable management guide 98 and fiber guard bracket 99 attached at the front 100 of the non-U-width-sized housing 58 holds the plurality of fiber optic cables 52 to prevent damaging changes to their bend radius. A furcation bracket 102 attached at the rear 104 of the non-U-width-sized housing 58 may have orifices 106 to protect the bend radius of upstream cabling (not shown) entering the enclosure 60. Also, a slack tray 108 may be attached to the rear 104 of the non-U-width-sized housing 58. The slack tray 108 may have a turned lip 110 to enable excess upstream cabling to be collected in an organized manner to prevent breakage.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the first wall 62 and the second wall 64 may include crossbar portions 112, 114 respectively. The first wall 62 and the second wall 64 may be attached when crossbar portion 112 of the first wall 62 may be welded to the second wall 64 and crossbar portion 114 of the second wall 64 may be welded to the first wall 62. The internal cavity 66 is formed between the first wall 62 and the second wall 64. Alternatively in other embodiments the welding may be replaced by fasteners.

The first wall 62 and the second wall 64 may be formed as thin-walled components made of a strong material, for example, such as plastic or sheet metal as non-limiting examples. The exterior surfaces may be finished with powder coating techniques to prevent corrosion and to prevent particles from flaking off and contaminating the at least one fiber optic connection 56.

FIG. 5D provides more detail as to the components of the fiber optic equipment assembly 48. At least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may be disposed within at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118 which may be secured within the internal cavity 66 of the enclosure 60. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118 may be secured to the first wall 62 and/or second wall 64. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may comprise at least one contour guide 120 which may may be disposed within at least one gap 122 of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118. The at least one contour guide 120 may be fastened to the rest of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 and may assist in defining a movement of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 within the at least one gap 122 of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118.

At least one fiber optic module guide 123 may be attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68. The at least one fiber optic module guide 123 may comprise a receiving groove 124. The receiving groove 124 may be configured to receive at least one module groove 126 of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54.

Moreover, at least one cable support guide 128 may also be attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68. The at least one cable support guide 128 may assist in managing the bending radius of the plurality of fiber optic cables 52.

FIG. 6A shows the rear 104 of the non-U-width-sized housing 58 including at least one mechanical transfer pull-off (MTP) connection 130 which enables additional fiber optic cables (not shown) to be connected to the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54.

FIG. 6B depicts an exploded view of the rear 104 of the non-U-width-sized housing 58. A furcation support member 132 may be used to attach the furcation bracket 102 to the enclosure 60. The furcation support member 132 may be made of a strong rigid material, for example, metal or plastic. The furcation support member 132 may enable the furcation bracket 102 to be more rigid than if furcation support member 132 were made longer to connect to the enclosure 60. Alternatively, the furcation support member 132 may be made of a strong, relatively flexible material, such as plastic. FIG. 6C illustrates a bottom view of the non-U-width-sized housing 58 and depicts the positions of the furcation bracket 102 relative to the furcation support member 132.

FIGS. 7A to 7B depict close-up views of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 comprising the at least one module groove 126, the at least one mechanical transfer pull-off (MTP) connection 130, and the at least one fiber optic connection 56. The at least one fiber optic connection 56 may be comprised of duplex LC adapters which may support single or duplex fiber connections and connectors.

FIG. 7B also illustrates a thickness dimension D₁ and a center 133 of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54. The center 133 is located half the thickness dimension D₁ into the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54. In the vertical direction A₁.

FIG. 7C depicts the inside of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 with a module cover 134 removed. At least one internal module fiber optic cable 136 optically connects the at least one mechanical transfer pull-off (MTP) connection 130 with the at least one fiber optic connection 56. The volume 138 within the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 serves to protect the bend radius of the at least one internal module fiber optic cable 136. The cover 134 and container 140 of at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may be made generally of a strong resilient material, for example, plastic or metal.

FIG. 8A is a close-up of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 in an exploded view showing the at least one contour guide 120 and the at least one fiber optic module guide 123 with a receiving groove 124 ready to be attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 with fasteners 142. The fasteners 142 may comprise a permanent mechanical fastener, for example, a rivet; a removable fastener, such as a screw; or adhesive, such as epoxy. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68, at least one fiber optic module guide 123, and the at least one contour guide 120 may all be made of a strong resilient material such as plastic or metal. They may be made of different materials.

FIG. 8B is a close-up of the at least one module groove 126 of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 before being received in the receiving groove 124 of the at least one fiber optic module guide 123. The benefit of the receiving groove 124 may be that it enables the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 to be removeably attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68.

FIG. 9 is a close-up of the at least one module groove 126 of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 received in the receiving groove 124 of the at least one fiber optic module guide 123.

FIG. 10 is a close-up view of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118 showing at least one gap 122 where the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may be disposed (not shown). The at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118 may be made of a strong resilient material, for example, metal or plastic.

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of three (3) of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 received by the at least one fiber optic module guide 123 attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may be disposed in the at least one gap 122 of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118. The distance D₂ between the centers of adjacent members of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 is U-sized and a U-fractional unit distance because, for example, at least an integer number of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity. In FIG. 11, three (3) of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity as represented by distance D₃.

FIG. 12 depicts another embodiment of the fiber optic equipment assembly 48(2). Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may be disposed adjacent to each other along the second horizontal direction A₃ within a unit height of unity as designated by D₃. In the fiber optic equipment assembly 48(2) the at least one fiber optic equipment assembly 48(2) the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 118(2) may be attached to the crossbar portion 112 of the first wall 62 and another of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 118(2) may be attached to the crossbar portion 114 of the second wall 64. Accordingly, the fiber optic equipment assembly 48(2) may accommodate one-hundred forty-four (144) of the fiber optic connections 56 versus ninety-six (96) for fiber optic equipment assembly 48 shown in FIG. 5A. Further, the other external components are virtually the same as depicted in FIG. 13.

With continuing reference to the embodiment of FIG. 5A, a method of installing a fiber optic equipment may be disclosed. This method may comprise providing a non-U-width-sized housing 58 including an enclosure 60 forming an internal cavity 66. The method may also include disposing at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 within the internal cavity 66. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may be configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54. The method may also include disposing the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68, which is disposed within the internal cavity 66. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity D₃ (see FIG. 11). The non-U-width-sized housing 58 may have the height H₁ which is a non-integer multiple of the U-unit height of unity.

The method may also comprise disposing the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 within at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118. Then, at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may be secured within the internal cavity 66 of the enclosure 60.

Further, the method may also comprise securing at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118 to at least one of a first wall 62 and a second wall 64 within the internal cavity 66. Next, the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may be received in the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide 118, wherein the enclosure 60 comprises the first wall 62 and the second wall 64.

The at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may be received in at least one fiber optic module guide 123, wherein each of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member 68 may comprise the at least one fiber optic module guide 123.

In the method, a center of each of a plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules may be separated by a U-fractional unit distance D₂, and the at least one U-sized fiber optic module 54 may comprise the plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules.

Many modifications and other embodiments not set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the description and claims are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic equipment assembly, comprising: a non-U-width-sized housing comprising an enclosure forming an internal cavity disposed therein; at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the internal cavity, the at least one fiber optic equipment support member configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module; and the at least one U-sized fiber optic module disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the internal cavity, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module having a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module can be disposed within a U-unit height of unity.
 2. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the non-U-width-sized housing has a height which is a non-integer multiple of the U-unit height of unity.
 3. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one fiber optic equipment support member is disposed within at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide secured within the internal cavity of the enclosure.
 4. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member comprises at least one fiber optic module guide configured to receive the at least one U-sized fiber optic module.
 5. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one U-sized fiber optic module comprises a plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules, and a center of each of the plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules separated by a U-fractional unit distance.
 6. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the non-U-width-sized housing is configured to support the at least one U-sized fiber optic module providing more than seventy-two (72) fiber connections.
 7. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the non-U-width-sized housing is configured to support the at least one U-sized fiber optic module providing more than ninety-six (96) fiber connections.
 8. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises a first wall and second wall.
 9. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 8, further comprising at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide secured to the at least one of the first wall and the second wall within the internal cavity and receiving the at least one fiber optic equipment support member.
 10. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the at least one fiber optic equipment support members comprises at least one fiber optic module guide configured to receive the at least one U-sized fiber optic module.
 11. A fiber optic equipment assembly, comprising: a non-U-width-sized housing comprising an enclosure forming an internal cavity disposed therein; at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the internal cavity, the at least one fiber optic equipment support member configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module; and at least one U-sized fiber optic module disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the internal cavity, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module having a width dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module can be disposed adjacent to each other along a horizontal direction within a U-unit height of unity in the non-U-width-sized housing.
 12. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 11, wherein the non-U-width-sized housing has a height which is a non-integer multiple of the U-unit height of unity.
 13. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one fiber optic equipment support member is disposed within at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide secured within the internal cavity of the enclosure.
 14. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member comprises at least one fiber optic module guide configured to receive the at least one U-sized fiber optic module.
 15. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one U-sized fiber optic module comprises a plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules, and a center of each of the plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules separated by a U-fractional unit distance.
 16. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 11, wherein the non-U-width-sized housing is configured to support the at least one U-sized fiber optic module providing more than seventy-two (72) fiber connections.
 17. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 11, wherein the non-U-width-sized housing is configured to support the at least one U-sized fiber optic module providing more than ninety-six (96) fiber connections.
 18. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 11, wherein the enclosure comprises a first wall and second wall.
 19. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 18, further comprising at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide secured to the at least one of the first wall and the second wall within the internal cavity and receiving the at least one fiber optic equipment support member.
 20. The fiber optic equipment assembly of claim 19, wherein each of the at least one fiber optic equipment support members comprises at least one fiber optic module guide configured to receive the at least one U-sized fiber optic module.
 21. A method of installing fiber optic equipment, comprising: providing a non-U-width-sized housing comprising an enclosure forming an internal cavity disposed therein; disposing at least one fiber optic equipment support member within the internal cavity, the at least one fiber optic equipment support member configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module; and disposing the at least one U-sized fiber optic module within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the internal cavity, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module having a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module can be disposed within a U-unit height of unity.
 22. The method of installing the fiber optic equipment of claim 21, wherein the non-U-width-sized housing has a height which is a non-integer multiple of the U-unit height of unity.
 23. The method of installing the fiber optic equipment of claim 21, further comprising: disposing the at least one fiber optic equipment support member within at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide; and securing at least one fiber optic equipment support member within the internal cavity of the enclosure.
 24. The method of installing the fiber optic equipment of claim 21, further comprising: securing at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide to at least one of a first wall and a second wall within the internal cavity, and receiving the at least one fiber optic equipment support member in the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide, wherein the enclosure comprises the first wall and the second wall.
 25. The method of installing the fiber optic equipment of claim 21, further comprising receiving the at least one U-sized fiber optic module in at least one fiber optic module guide, wherein each of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member comprises the at least one fiber optic module guide.
 26. The method of installing the fiber optic equipment of claim 25, wherein the receiving the at least one U-sized fiber optic module in the at least one fiber optic module guide comprises separating a center of each of a plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules by a U-fractional unit distance, and the at least one U-sized fiber optic module comprises the plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules. 